Katrin Grimsdottir

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Information
Status:Current Member
Pronouns:{{{pronouns}}}
Preferred Title:{{{title}}}
Resides:Rivenstar
Awards:{{{Awards}}}
Heraldry

Per pall inverted argent, vert, and counter-ermine, two winged domestic cats sejant respectant counterchanged sable and argent


Contents

Persona

Katrin Grimsdottir grew up in one of the many Northern British Isle settlements during the late Viking era. She's a mild tempered craftswoman who enjoys hunting by day and embroidery by firelight. She's wicked accurate with an axe or a blade, but she can bring down game with a bow or a frying pan if one is handy. Katrin is an excellent cat herder and is usually found doing the jobs that no one else wanted to do.

Katrin spends much of her time making pretty things and learning new crafts. She is currently learning how to carve blocks and do block printing on fabric. She also does embroidery, felt crafting, calligraphy, illumination, and leather working. Her favorite thing is to find something no one else is doing, spend hours researching, and then teach others what she found. Katrin strongly believes that we should honor those who give service to the Society. She often runs largess derbys so artisans can show off their work while donating items to be given as gifts and rewards.

Previous Persona - Russian Trade Merchant and Dancer known as Elizaveta or Katalena Izmaragd Ivanova taught belly dancing and drumming to everyone willing to move their feet. Katalena organized haflas at events, performed for royalty, and entertained both nobility and the rabble. She will still dance if asked, or if someone begins to drum.


Check out Katrin's Facebook persona page to see examples of her Largess creations and Arts & Sciences projects @LadyKatrinGrimsdottir


Offices Held

Current Jobs

Deputy to the Midrealm Clerk of Precedence - 2020

Herald - At Large - 2018


Previous Offices Held

Constellation Regional Chronicler - 2018-2022

Baronial Chronicler - Rivenstar - 2015-2022

Baronial Herald - Rivenstar - 2019-2021

Thrown Weapons Marshal - At Large - 2018-2021

Baronial Social Media Officer - Rivenstar - 2018-2019

Deputy Minister of Arts & Sciences - Rivenstar - 2017-2018

Baronial Chronicler - Rivenstar - 2003-2007

Interim PALE Editor (Middle Kingdom Newsletter) - Feb & Mar 2005

Dance Mistress - Rivenstar - 2003-2005

Deputy Seneschal - Rivenstar - 2003-2004


Event Staff Positions Held

Autocrat

Missile Weapons Collegium - Rivenstar 9-2019


Deputy Autocrat

Bardic Madness - Rivenstar 11-2017


Thrown Weapons Marshal in Charge

Crusades - Cuil Choluim 6-2019


Charity Coordinator

Three Saints and a Muse (ToD & A&S Faire) - Rivenstar 4-2020


Arts & Sciences Coordinator

Three Saints and a War of Stars - Rivenstar 4-2023 - Classes, Largess Derby, A&S displays, and Charity Auction

Three Saints and a Rapier - Rivenstar 6-2022 - Classes and A&S demos

Three Saints and a Tournament of Defense - Rivenstar 4-2018 - Classes, Largess Derby, and displays

Middle Kingdom Coronation - White Waters 9-2017 - Classes, Largess Derby, A&S competitions, and displays

Three Saints and a Sheep - Rivenstar 04-2005 - Classes and displays

Three Saints and a Parrot - Rivenstar 04-2004 - Classes and displays


PR/Marketing Head - PALE ads, social media, signs, maps, and handouts

Three Saints and a Rapier - Rivenstar 6-2022

Three Saints and a Muse (ToD & A&S Faire) - Rivenstar 4-2020

Missile Weapons Collegium - Rivenstar 9-2019

Three Saints and a Witch - Rivenstar 4-2019

Three Saints and a Tournament of Defense - Rivenstar 4-2018

Bardic Madness - Rivenstar 11-2017

Three Saints and a Sinner - Rivenstar 4-2017

Three Saints and an Investiture - Rivenstar 4-2016

Three Saints and a Sheep - Rivenstar 04-2005

Three Saints and a Parrot - Rivenstar 04-2004


Demo Coordinator

Mosey Down Main Street - Rivenstar 2016, 2017, 2018


Drum Circle Hafla Coordinator

Commoner's Crown - Mynydd Seren 10-2004


Significant Accomplishments

The RivenSTAR Newsletter

In 2003, Katrin breathed new life into Rivenstar's old and forgotten newsletter. She found a new purpose for the newsletter as method of documenting the history of the Barony. She cataloged stories, photos, and artwork from the populace. She also started recording meeting minutes and publishing them in the newsletter. Documenting what happened at the meetings gave the group a new level of accountability and made that information more accessible to the entire barony. Her newsletter design continued to gain Blackfox Award nominations even after she stepped down as Chronicler in 2007. In 2015, Katrin picked up the mantle as baronial chronicler again and continued the traditions until the beginning of 2022.


House of the Fiery Rose

In 2004, Katrin founded the House of the Fiery Rose, a household dedicated to entertaining and educating the populace of the Middle Kingdom in the art of Middle Eastern dance and music. For three years, she and her house entertained royalty and peasantry alike at feasts and during events. Known back then as Katalena Izmaragd Ivanova, Katrin was the first person to be invited to teach Middle Eastern dance at RUM and well know dancing events such as Grand Pageant and Crystal Ball. She also traveled to the surrounding baronies and shires to teach Middle Eastern and drumming as well as organized several haflas at events.


The Pale

In 2005, Katrin was asked to stepped in as the Interim Editor for the Middle Kingdom newsletter, The Pale. She was able to clean up the old formatting and streamline the layout and design template. She published two issues until the next editor was found.


Recruitment

In 2016, Katrin was the first to organize a demo presence for the Barony of Rivenstar at the local "Mosey Down Main Street" event. Mosey is held once a month for five months during the summer. She coordinated volunteers, ran social media campaigns, designed handouts, and ran the demo booth for three consecutive summers. She also organized a fundraiser for the archery team during one of the Mosey events. Katrin has been an active participant in almost all of the recruitment activities for the Barony. She spends countless hours helping the barony recruit new students and local community members.


Social Media Transition

In 2018, Katrin was the first Social Media Officer for the Barony of Rivenstar. She completely overhauled the baronial social media pages, and worked with the Kingdom Social Media Officer as the Middle Kingdom transitioned their social media platforms into official channels of communication. She served as an admin/moderator for several Facebook groups and helped transition the barony into a new digital age.


Constellation Regional Chronicler

Also in 2018, Katrin stepped up as the Constellation Regional Chronicler right before the Middle Kingdom switched over to using the Services Portal system. She taught herself how to use the new program as a Regional officer, and helped other local, Regional, and Kingdom officers learn how to navigate the system. Katrin also helped members of the populace create new accounts and worked with the Midrealm Helpdesk to correct errors with accounts and local officer reports.


Heraldry & Order of Precedence

In 2019, Katrin started working as a herald, first as a warranted Herald at Large and then as a Baronial Herald. She was an active commenter on OSCAR as well as attended commentary meetings. She began training as a consultant, but found her real passion was in the administration side of heraldry. She stepped up as the Deputy for the Clerk of Precedence where she helps members of the populous transfer awards from other kingdoms into the Midrealm OP. She intends to apply to be the next Midrealm Clerk of Precedence when the current CoP steps down.


Behind the Scenes Admin

Over the last six years, Katrin has also worked on numerous projects for the Barony of Rivenstar such as scanning documents to digital files for several offices and creating clean graphics for the baronial heraldic device and the baronial awards so that they could be used in publications, websites, and social media. She's also gathered research and created a template to create a new baronial charter. She's been a unofficial deputy for almost all of the officers and has been a driving force to keep the barony up to date with the modern world.


Awards and Honors

Protege to Master Sigulf Karlnar 2015-2021

Apprentice to Master Sigulf Karlnar 2006-2015

Protege to Mistress Heirusalem Crystoma 2005-2007


William Blackfox Award for A.S. 51 - Middle Kingdom Nomination for Best Layout and Design - 2017

William Blackfox Award for A.S. 50 - Kingdom Chronicler’s Honorable Mention - 2016


Adept of the College of SCA & Historic Topics of the Royal University of the MidRealm - 2020

Graduate of the College of SCA & Historic Topics of the Royal University of the MidRealm - 2020

Licentiate of the College of SCA & Historic Topics of the Royal University of the MidRealm - 2020


Constellation Regional A&S Faire - Second Place - 2005


Kingdom Awards

Order of the Dragon's Heart - 26 Mar, 2022 - For excellence and service to the kingdom

Order of the Willow - 4 Jun, 2022 - For excellence and skill in fiber arts, embroidery, and block carving

Order of the Dragon's Barb - 30 Aug, 2019 - For service and skill in archery and thrown weapons

Award of the Purple Fret - 21 Apr, 2018 - For long term service in many areas

Award of the Purple Fret - 30 Oct, 2004 - For service as an officer

Award of Arms - 10 May, 2003 - For teaching Middle Eastern Dance and Drumming


Baronial Awards

Order of the Guiding Star - 4 Jun, 2022 - For leadership and exceptional service to the barony

Defender of Rivenstar - 1 Dec, 2018 - For service and promotion of Archery and Thrown Weapons

Order of the Silver Acorn - 4 Dec, 2004 - For excellence, promotion, and teaching of the arts and sciences

Order of the Rivenstar - 8 Dec, 2003 - For long time service to the barony


Publications

The RivenSTAR Newsletter Issues

Chronicler Term #1

2003 Vol.1 #1-2; 2004 Vol.2 #1-11; 2005 Vol.3 #1-10; 2006 Vol.4 #1-4, 2007 Vol.5 #1;

Chronicler Term #2

2016 Vol.14 #1-6; 2017 Vol.15 #1-6; 2018 Vol.16 #1-5; 2019 Vol.17 #1-4; 2020 Vol.18 #1-4; 2021 Vol.19 #1-4; 2022 Vol.20 #1-#4


PALE Issues as Interim Editor

Feb '05 - Mar '05


Classes Taught

Carving Blocks for Block Printing

Students are introduced to the various tools and techniques required to carve a stamp to be used to block print fabric, paper, or other flat surface.


Block Printing on Fabric

Students learn how to use wood and linoleum printing blocks to stamp fabric with various types of paint. Block printing can be used to decorate garb, accessories, tent walls, and other flat surfaces.


Medallions, Belts, and Crowns, Oh My!

Students learn how to recognize Middle Kingdom award medallions, coronets, and the other regalia worn within the Society. We discuss the MK award structure, orders of precedence, and basic protocol.


Cross Stitching Favors

Students learn the basics of cross stitching and how to make favors using the Middle Kingdom award and officer badge patterns.


Embroidery, Felt Dragons, and Other Largess Projects

Students learn how to do basic embroidery stitches such as whip stitch and blanket stitch. I provide precut shapes and help students make either a scissor fob, needle book, or a small stuffed dragon. The handout contains directions for making the small dragon and the pattern pieces.


Shisha Mirror Embroidery

Students learned how to stitch precut circular shisha mirrors to fabric. Shisha mirrors are commonly found on Middle Eastern and Indian clothing and accessories.


Chinese & Celtic Knotting

Students learned how to hand tie knots with leather or satin cord. We discussed common motifs and knots that can be found in different cultures. Handout covered the history of Chinese knotting.


Traditional Egyptian Style Dancing

Students learned the traditional folk style dancing that has been passed down through generations of dancers. Handout included a brief history of Egyptian style dancing.


Traditional Egyptian Ghawazee Stick Dancing

Students learned the stick dancing style of the Ghawazee tribe in Egypt as well as traveling steps and isolation movements.


Traditional Egyptian Candle Dancing

Students learned the delicate movements required to move a lit candle through space in the traditional Egyptian style.


Advanced Egyptian Style Isolations & Armwork

Students learned advance isolation techniques and armwork to further enhance their performances and study of Egyptian style dancing.


Traditional Turkish Style

Students learned the traditional Turkish Folk style of belly dancing. The Turkish folk style or sometimes called the Romani style is a wilder more passionate style than Egyptian style dance.


The History of Henna

Students learned the ancient art of henna body painting. The handout included the history of the artform and henna preparation. I also showed them the practical application of using on their hands.


Middle Eastern Zill and Drum Rhythms

Students learned the most popular Middle Eastern rhythms that most dancers request at haflas and drum circles. We discussed proper hand movements on drums, and how to wear finger cymbals as well as proper drum circle etiquette.



Interests and SCA-related hobbies

Archery & Thrown Weapons, Period Archery, Period Games

Chinese, Viking, and Celtic Decorative Knotting - both drawing and hand tying knots

Embroidery, Costuming - Viking Era, British Isles, and Middle Eastern Styles

Block Printing on Fabric and Block Carving

Middle Eastern Dance and Music - Egyptian and Turkish styles

Viking Glass Beads & Jewelry

Illumination, Calligraphy, and Book Heraldry

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